Thistle Hill Farm Tarentaise is an aged, raw-milk, organic cheese, handmade by John and Janine Putnam on their family farm in North Pomfret, Vermont. This artisan cheese is made using a copper cheese vat in the tradition of the Beaufort and Abondance cheeses of the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The copper vat, essential to developing the proper flavor, is the only one in Vermont and one of only a few in the United States. Made using imported French cultures to mature the curds, the Putnam's follow the traditional Savoie process of making their own rennet, using the whey from the previous cheesemaking. Much in the same way bakers use a sourdough starter, this traditional rennet gives a complexity of flavor to the cheese which cannot otherwise be created.

Aged for six months, Tarentaise develops a unique and complex flavor. It is as unadulterated a cheese as you will find. The imported French cultures impart flavor and texture, while the traditional rennet provides structure and further complexity to its flavor. Tarentaise has no added preservatives, synthetic flavors or additives. No herbs are used to hide its flavor, and no waxes or plastics simplify its aging process. While Tarentaise is modeled after the Beaufort and Abondance cheeses of France (both known as among the finest cheeses of the world), it is unique to North Pomfret Vermont's territory. The soil, geography, climate, and flora in Vermont give Tarentaise its characteristic smooth, subtle nut flavor and complex finish.

Awarded 2nd Place in the American Cheese Society 2007 Awards in the Farmstead Cheeses: Aged over 90 Days category.

Wife likes this one a lot and she is choosey. Dense taste, tangy in a good way, solid goodness!

By Heidi Wiederfrom Watertown, WIon Oct 08, 2013

Organic Tarantaise

First time I tried this cheese, love it!

By Chpiper16from Central Paon Mar 03, 2012

MIlder than expected

With good flavor and texture, this cheese is very pleasant but a little milder than I expected. I would purchase it again.

By Izabellafrom NYCon Jan 30, 2012

Amazing Cheese

The flavor is so rich! Worth the price :)

By drmattpfrom Chicago, ILon Jul 05, 2011

Not that spectacular.

This Cheddar-like cheese was less distinctive than the ad copy promised. In addition, it turned hard rather quickly, diminishing its usefulness as a table cheese.

By Ronniefrom Nashville, TNon Oct 26, 2010

Magnificent

I first found this cheese at a local farm in Vermont. From the first taste I realized that this was the best cheese I had ever put in my mouth. I'm not rich but I told my wife, "Buy as much as you want to take back to Tennessee." The person who said it didn't have much taste could not possibly have been talking about this cheese. Since they mention "green" (which this isn't at all) they must have this confused with something else.

By John the cheesemakerfrom Pomfret, Vermonton Dec 22, 2009

Cheesemakers opinion

I saw a former comment that must have been about a different cheese. Why would anyone aspire to green cheese? Tarentaise is butterscotch yellow from the grass fed, organic Jersey milk. The carotenes including the omega 3's give it the color. It is an extraordinarily complex cheese, which like a fine wine, opens up with proper temperature and air. This cheese is unique in this country. It can pair with a nice Pinot, Champagne or tawny port.It cooks very nicely and will make a great fondue. If bulk is needed, mix in an inexpensive European Gruyere.

By dendelacroixfrom west virginiaon Oct 23, 2007

nothing really to speak of

it is not the delicate green that it appears in the picture. that's what caught my attention on the website. but it's just yellowish-white. it's not bad but it really has no noticeable flavor. i ended up using it in a spread with other more flavorful cheeses just so not to waste it.